Notre Dame Targeting Question

[FBJournalist]

Anybody have any opinions on this call?

Seems like targeting by the letter of the law, but not sure where intent comes in.

Notre Dame's Devin Studstill ejected for targeting, initiated by replay official - ESPN Video

[CT1]

This is really close.

From the side views, it looks like targeting. #14's shoulder hits the head/neck of the QB after he slides.

But look at the view from the end zone. #14 doesn't crouch and launch, and indeed appears to be trying to keep from making contact.

I can certainly see how the replay official deemed that to be targeting, and I believe the default "when in doubt" philosophy is that targeting DID occur.

Tough call.

[FBJournalist]

Originally Posted by CT1

This is really close.

From the side views, it looks like targeting. #14's shoulder hits the head/neck of the QB after he slides.

But look at the view from the end zone. #14 doesn't crouch and launch, and indeed appears to be trying to keep from making contact.

I can certainly see how the replay official deemed that to be targeting, and I believe the default "when in doubt" philosophy is that targeting DID occur.

Tough call.

Thanks for the input

[Adam]

I moved this to its own thread.

[scrounge]

I'm not sure I'd call that an egregious miss by the onfield crew, but I'm perfectly fine with the call....coaching staff knew it too, counseling him before they even made the call.